Went in and got fitted for a custom bike today. Due to neck and back problems I thought that would be the best way to go. The fitting session took around 3 hours. I decided on a Seven Axiom Titanium frame. I had planned on going with a cheaper steel frame, but looking at the frame on my bike from yesterdays ride, covered with sand and salt, titanium seemed like ti would be easier to maintain. As I now live in an apartment there is no place to hose off a bike after a ride.

After having just observed a demo fitting session, given by a "high-end" fitting service, I can understand the value in doing what you just did. Worth taking the shot if you can spare the coin. Hope it works out for you.

I was told about 3 weeks to get the frame built, then less then a week for the shop to put it together. So 3 to 4 weeks. 8 weeks would actually be perfect for me cause thats when I'll get my vacation check from work which will pay for the bike.

So you are 50+ and you are buying a custom-built Seven as your FIRST road bike? That's some place to start. Have you been on mountain bikes in the past and are now moving to the road?

I owned an ancient $79 bike store brand 10 speed that I bought in the late 60's but hardly rode it. Bought a mtn bike when they first appeared in the early 80's (Ross Mt Washington). Replaced that in the mid 90's with a Specialized Rock Hopper. Replaced that with a Gary Fisher Nirvana about 5 years ago, though I prefered to still ride the Specialized. Now since most of my riding is on pavement I figured a road bike would be nice, and with all my back and neck problems I wanted the custom fit. Besides while I was in the shop someone ordered a set of $5500 wheels. I feel like a piker.

My Bad. Its an Alaris frame I'm getting, not an Axiom. And I ordered a brushed finish, as I'm the kind of guy thats pretty rough on a bike, and I know without a kickstand it may get knocked over a lot. But I'm having second thoughts on whether or not to order a paint job. The colors available look pretty damn nice, but will change the wait time for the frame from 3-4 weeks to 7-12 weeks. Is it better to have a painted frame or an unpainted brushed finish?

My Bad. Its an Alaris frame I'm getting, not an Axiom. And I ordered a brushed finish, as I'm the kind of guy thats pretty rough on a bike, and I know without a kickstand it may get knocked over a lot. But I'm having second thoughts on whether or not to order a paint job. The colors available look pretty damn nice, but will change the wait time for the frame from 3-4 weeks to 7-12 weeks. Is it better to have a painted frame or an unpainted brushed finish?

Actually, without a kick stand it will get knocked over a lot less, IMHO. Generally, one is much more selective about where one places one's bike - especially a Seven - than when using a kick stand, where the wind or someone passing by or whatever, knocks it over.

Congratulations - sounds wonderful.

And you bought this without asking about 50 questions of this biking group? Amazing!

I wouldn't trust it until it was well and thoroughly tested.
So when you get your new bike, DO NOT RIDE IT!
Immediately send it to ME!
I will protect you from any mfgr defects, and LBR assembly errors.
So play it safe, send it to me to test ride for you.
I will completely test it, and return it to you when I'm satisfied that the bike is in perfect working order.
That shouldn't take more than 2-3 months, 4 months tops, 6 if there are problems(there usually are).
I'll be waiting for the box to arrive, with an enclosed check for return shipping.

Just kidding, enjoy what will be a sweet ride.
BTW what did you spec for components?

I went low budget. Shimano Ultegra. The bike was fitted and purchased from Signature Cycles, whose NYC fitting studio is 4 blocks from my apt. Before I committed I spoke with a serious rider friend in FL, who said she has heard of them and one of the girls she rides with flew up to NY to get a bike from them. After staring at Sevens online catalog this afternoon I was tempted to upgrade to the Axiom frame, but my overblown budget couldn't take the extra $800. I've also decided to skip the paint so I can start riding it sooner.

When we bought our first tandem in October 06, I told my wife I would just ride the tandem with her. She is also a single bike rider and rides with friends when I cannot ride. I am having so much fun I decided to get a single. I pulled the trigger this week on an 06 Fuji Team Pro. I got a screaming deal on it. I rode it on a short hill climb today to see if the compact chainwheel was going to be a problem as I have always ridden triples in the hills. Short version-YeeHaw. I averaged 18mph on a 12 mile ride where the first 4 miles are an average 6-7 percent grade.

When we bought our first tandem in October 06, I told my wife I would just ride the tandem with her. She is also a single bike rider and rides with friends when I cannot ride. I am having so much fun I decided to get a single. I pulled the trigger this week on an 06 Fuji Team Pro. I got a screaming deal on it. I rode it on a short hill climb today to see if the compact chainwheel was going to be a problem as I have always ridden triples in the hills. Short version-YeeHaw. I averaged 18mph on a 12 mile ride where the first 4 miles are an average 6-7 percent grade.

Being used a triple - mtb and hybrid, thats what I went with. I was thinking of a compact. Salesman said it would be easier shifting, and I wouldn't loose much at the low end, but if I was used to a triple that might be better for me. There's still some time to change my mind.